13-07-2012, 04:24 PM
Laptop vs Desktop
Introduction
One of the most popular questions asked when purchasing a new computer is "Should I buy a Laptop or Desktop computer?" A person must consider all the advantages and disadvantages of both platforms, and decide which one fits their needs the most.
The "Laptop vs Desktop" guide contains many questions that will help a person decide on what choice is right for them.
A little bit of history
The Personal Computer industry was first created with the desktop computer. There are many different definitions and variations of the desktop computer, but it is most commonly thought of as the Tower (or CPU, as some might say) that is separate from the display. Desktops have been the dominant form factor for PC's since the beginning, and even in its current form is still very similar to the original design.
Laptops originally were released in the mid 1980's, but did not become mainstream until the early 1990's. The goal of a laptop was to fuse a computer system together with a display and device, and make it so that it could be carried with a person. While the first laptops were a bit awkward, they fast became sleek and very useful machines.
Desktop computers have always been at the forefront of new technology; most every new technology for computers is released on a desktop system first. Laptops are considered the desktop's younger brother; while having the ability to take the computer with you is convenient, it comes at the cost of slower performance, decreased usability, and shorter "on-time" required by using a battery.
In today's world, some of these nuisances are still to be found, but are less pronounced. While laptops are still the younger brother of desktops, they are no longer far from the tip of high performance; laptops are now available that can rival even the beefiest desktop. And usability? While the laptop is limited to a track pad or finger pointer, you can plug in a regular keyboard and mouse (or any other input device) and use the laptop just like a desktop. And while batteries are always getting better, just having a laptop will always include the handicap of being limited in "on-time."
Why should you buy a Laptop?
Laptops are the most convenient computers to use; you can do whatever you want, whenever you want, wherever you want. While the hardware may not be the same, the software that you use on a desktop or laptop will be identical; any software will run the same on a laptop or desktop.
In recent years, laptops have caught up on the technology curve. You can do just about anything on a laptop that you can do on a desktop: write papers, browse the internet, edit pictures of video, even watch a DVD. All this capability comes in a package that looks and feels just like another textbook that easily fits in a bookbag or briefcase.
The main advantages to buying a laptop are that they have the ability to go anywhere and are more convenient to use. They can also run all of the software a desktop can run; there is no discernable difference.
Why should you buy a Desktop?
Desktops have been the cornerstone of the Personal Computer market since the beginning. A typical desktop looks like a rectangular box, being about 2-3 feet high, 1 foot wide, and about 3 feet deep. A desktop computer is not something one would usually move around; once it is in a convenient place, such as underneath a desktop or on the floor, it will typically stay there for its useful lifetime. The desktop is where everything takes place; it is what processes all the information, takes in all of your inputs, and creates all of the outputs. While it is self-sufficient, it does need a display device to allow the user to see what they are doing.
Desktops are always at the front of the technology curve. This is where the desktop shines: if something brand new comes out, you can buy a desktop that will have it. Desktops are also the best at the low-end; they can be the cheapest computer you can buy, and still have a lot of power (what some call "bang-for-your-buck"). Desktops also do not rely on battery power to function; all you do is plug it into a wall plug, and you can use it with no limitations of time.
The main advantages to buying a desktop are that they are the fastest Personal Computer available, can be the cheapest available, and have the most expansion capabilities.
The Final Word
When buying a new computer, choosing between a laptop and a desktop can be a hard decision. Keep this in mind: the desktop and laptop will run the same exact software; so the decision becomes an argument of performance vs portability. Do you want run the latest and greatest games and get your picture or video editing done in a snap? Or would you rather sit on your couch, read email, and browse the internet while watching TV?
This decision comes down to personal preference. If you are looking for a good computer that you can take with you, a laptop is a good choice for anyone who does not need the absolute "top of the line" computer available. Alternatively, a desktop is the better choice for someone who is either looking to buy the cheapest available, or is looking to buy the best of the best on the market.